Nagaland Deputy CM TR Zeliang (3rd from right), Dr Harish Hande, CEO, SELCO Foundation (2nd from right), with other officials during the launch of the E4H Nagaland Program at the “Climate Smart Nagaland: Advancing Health & Livelihood Resilience” event at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on May 28. (Morung Photo)
.jpg)
SELCO Foundation, DoHFW partnership highlights role of clean energy in healthcare and climate resilience
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 28
With Nagaland at a nascent stage in many areas despite the State being scheduled to celebrate its 64th Statehood Day this year, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, on Thursday remarked that “amongst the major challenges facing the State due to its rugged terrain and overall lack of connectivity, the power and energy sector has always been a major concern.”
Addressing the “Climate Smart Nagaland: Advancing Health & Livelihood Resilience” event at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on May 28, he highlighted that Nagaland’s power sector faces an increasing annual revenue deficit of around Rs 300 crore, a significant burden for a financially constrained State like Nagaland.
Zeliang asserted that the State’s heavy dependence on imported energy could be reduced through sustainable energy solutions, adding that SELCO Foundation’s expertise in clean solar-powered value addition across sectors would help immensely.
In many remote areas in Nagaland, uninterrupted power supply is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity, especially for Primary Health Centres and essential public services, he asserted.
It may be noted here that SELCO Foundation, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the State DoHFW, has enabled decentralised renewable energy solutions across 325 health facilities in Nagaland, strengthening reliable healthcare delivery in remote regions.
The event was held to mark this milestone and to further strengthen partnerships for sustainable development as a platform to showcase the impact of clean energy interventions in health, launch upcoming livelihood initiatives, and discuss the way forward for climate-resilient development of the State.
Terming the partnership with SELCO Foundation as a strong proponent of inclusive development through clean sustainable energy, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the significance of sustainable energy cannot come at a better time than the present juncture when “we are witnessing the pains of our dependence on fossil fuels owing to the ongoing energy crisis in the world.”
He also commended the “Energy for Health” initiative implemented by SELCO Foundation in collaboration with the DoHFW, stating that the solar-powered interventions in various health facilities have strengthened healthcare delivery, particularly in remote areas.
The Deputy CM noted that the initiatives extend beyond the health sector into livelihoods and community development, adding that sustainable development requires convergence across departments and institutions.
He also acknowledged the role played by the health department officials in supporting these initiatives at the grassroots level and ensuring coordination and support for such interventions.
Zeliang further encouraged departments and partner organisations to work with greater cooperation and innovation, stressing that development challenges cannot be addressed in silos and require integrated approaches and partnerships across sectors such as healthcare, livelihoods, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and rural development.
“Public-Private Partnerships are key to creating a meaningful and lasting impact when implemented with community participation and keeping long-term sustainability in mind,” he added.
In his address, Dr Harish Hande, CEO of SELCO Foundation, highlighted the generational wisdom embedded in tribal knowledge systems and said Nagaland is important not only for partnerships, but also for developing climate resilience solutions that can be replicated in rural communities worldwide.
He also expressed confidence in making Nagaland a centre of future knowledge through the partnership.
Highlights of the event included a welcome address and felicitation by S Tainu, DoHFW Secretary; “Energy for Health in Nagaland - An Overview” by Rucha Limaye, Senior Program Manager, SELCO Foundation; launching of the E4H Nagaland Program; and “Learnings, Gaps and Way Forward” - a panel discussion with the champions of E4H featuring Dr Kika Longkumer, Joint Director, DoHFW, Dr Victor, CMO Noklak district, and Dr Singsong, Medical Officer, Poilwa PHC, as panellists.
DoHFW Principal Director, Dr Mereninla Senlem, gave the closing remarks.
Among others, MLA and Advisor to the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Keoshu Yimkhiung; Advisor to the Department of New & Renewable Energy and NSDMA, Nyusietho Nyuthe; MLA Dr Tseihoutuo Rhutso; Deputy Commissioners; government officials; and representatives from NGOs attended the event.
